The new American Alpine Club

The American Alpine Club (AAC) has some sweet new ideas sprouting into a gold mine of new support for it’s members and non-members.  This new gauntlet runs from the “Choss Boss” photo contests  for every photographer out there to great rescue insurance.

The new member benefits for May 2011

• Improved Rescue Benefits: New $5,000 domestic INSURANCE added to current $5,000 worldwide rescue service
• New Insurance Options: Health, Accident, Life, Trip & Travel
• New AAC Clubhouse in Kathmandu ($15/night)
• New Lodging Discounts
• New Gym Discounts
• New Gear Discounts
• New Guide Service Discounts
• New AAC Cornerstone Grant ($25,000/year) for crag infrastructure
• New Online: Post your trip reports on americanalpineclub.org
• New Online: Connect locally through interactive section websites
• New Online: Digitally update your library book mailing address
• New Online: Entire library collection now searchable
• More Local Programs: Events, conservation, mentorship, advocacy
• More Local Support: Full-time Regional Coordinators hired across the U.S.

(Note at time of publish: Some of the above links from AAC may not work)

Another cool thing the AAC is doing to connect with the climbing public.  They are showing up to  climbing events like the Zanskar Odyessy film premier that took place at the Eldorado Springs Art Center.

The AAC at the Zanskar Odyssey Premier

One the other new things the AAC is doing.  They are cutting down on surplus by only printing the American Alpine Journal (AAJ) for it’s members in the future.  This is a good thing since most the books they print end up sitting on a shelf not purchased, therefore not helping the club funding and also wasting product and time that could have been spent in a more useful manner.  Besides, the AAJ is available online after the print issue has been out.

Bracey/Helliker, Alaska, new routes from Matt Helliker on Vimeo.

For another Alaskan feat this summer go here.

I took this with a Macro lens from my Grandpa who just sent me all of his old Nikon gear.  I found an adapter to use on ebay to use these great Nikon optics on my Canon EOS cameras.  This was shot with my 40D.

I have returned from Yosemite. It was a most wonderful event to be part of. The location for my crew’s section changed from Sierra Point to the Manure Pile. Here’s a shot of the set up. More to come on the historical event soon. For a more comprehensive article on this event check out HD View’s segment:

HD View

Below is a picture of Manurer Pile from Super Topo

Our shoot location was at the top of the red line.

This portion added July 22, 2008:

The xRez Yosemite Extreme Pano Project is now available for viewing in the Microsoft Silverlight format at the following link:

http://www.xrez.com/yosemite.html

Enjoy.

Just a quick post before I head to this historic shoot in Yosemite Valley.  Sierra Point is the location that my group will shoot. The group includes a Lee Frasier and Rick Jones, whom I have yet to meet.  Will take part in this segment of the “Yosemite Extreme Imaging Project” put forth by the xRez crew.  I can’t wait….!

Three quarters of The Village Green that played at Slabtown on Saturday with Foreign Orange.  Check the portfolio at the top for more images.

Click above to visit their myspace [the above is not of my design]

Introducing Foreign Orange a local Portland, Oregon band. This shot was taken at the Slabtown pub in Northwest Portland. Check out the series in my portfolio. Just click along the top.